Ultrasound-based Sensing and Inspection for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept expands the core technology of the original ultrasound method and apparatus to address critical challenges in various industries, including water quality monitoring, pipeline corrosion detection, agricultural inspection, structural integrity monitoring, and composite material defect detection.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's ultrasound method and apparatus, while providing a safe and cost-effective analysis tool, were limited to specific applications. The inventive concept tackles the problem of adapting this technology to tackle pressing issues in new industries, where existing solutions are inadequate or non-existent.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves configuring the ultrasound apparatus to transmit signals into diverse materials or environments, such as water samples, pipelines, crops, soil, or composite materials. The processing unit analyzes the received wavefronts to extract valuable information, including contaminants, corrosion patterns, crop health, moisture levels, nutrient deficiencies, cracks, defects, or stress patterns. This concept enables the development of innovative systems and methods for monitoring and inspection in various industries.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases that were not contemplated in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the potential for ultrasound technology to be adapted and applied to these diverse industries, and the development of specific configurations and analysis techniques to address the unique challenges in each domain.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include the use of different types of ultrasound transmitters, modified signal processing algorithms, or integration with other sensing modalities. Variations could involve adapting the technology for use in other industries, such as healthcare, aerospace, or construction.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including water treatment, oil and gas, agriculture, construction, and aerospace. The market demand for innovative sensing and inspection solutions is substantial, driven by the need for cost-effective, accurate, and reliable monitoring and detection methods.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B8/4477 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4483 |
| G | G01 | G01S15/8913 |
| G | G01 | G01S15/8929 |
| G | G01 | G01S15/8993 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Ultrasound imaging and signal processing technologies, spanning medical diagnostics, non-destructive testing, and multi-transmitter signal analysis techniques. Requires expertise in signal processing, wave propagation physics, sensor array design, and computational analysis of wavefront interactions
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced engineering or physics degree, experienced in ultrasonic sensing, signal processing algorithms, and cross-domain sensor applications. Capable of adapting sensing technologies across different material and environmental contexts
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the source patent's core ultrasound signal processing method as fundamentally adaptable to diverse inspection scenarios. The PTD's variations represent straightforward extensions of known ultrasound principles, applying established multi-transmitter wavefront analysis techniques to different material environments. The technical mechanisms for signal transmission, reception, and computational analysis remain substantially consistent across the disclosed applications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,367 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ultrasound method and apparatus |
| Assignee(s) | King's College London |